RM2m raised for Wuhan Fund

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Government, in collaboration with several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), managed to raise RM2 million for the Wuhan Fund as a sign of solidarity with the country which is facing the Covid-19 outbreak.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the fund proved the State’s concern over what was happening in China.

“The Covid-19 outbreak has spread to a number of countries and as part of the world community, we need to step forward to help address this problem quickly.

“Being aware of the fact that Sabah is one of China’s top tourism and investment spots, I feel we need to step up to ensure that support is given to them to handle the Covid-19 outbreak as soon as possible,” he said.

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He said although the amount was considered small, it proved that Sabah was concerned about what was happening in China and maintaining the good relations between China and Sabah.

He was speaking to reporters after the “We Care, We Love” Charity Fund Dinner, in conjunction with the fundraiser, at Hakka Hall, here, Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Shafie said Sabah will lift its travel restrictions on Chinese nationals when the vaccine for the deadly Covid-19 virus becomes available.

He said the State Government is monitoring the progress for vaccines available, but such a research is still in progress.

“The moment there is a vaccine for the virus, we will welcome back all Chinese tourists in Sabah,” he said during his speech at the charity event.

Shafie told the people that Sabah does not mean to reject Chinese nationals from coming into the State, but that it had to take preventive measure to prevent the outbreak from reaching the State.

“The move to ban the direct entry of tourists from China was only temporary, as the State did not have the medical expertise and facilities to cope with a major outbreak,” he said.

He said the State appreciated the contribution of the Chinese tourists to not just its tourism sector, but to the general economic growth of the State.

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“Every sector benefited by their presence. Fishermen, vegetable farmers, retailers to hotels and tour operators among others have benefited. It is important for us to maintain good relations with China,” he said.

Also present was Deputy Chief Minister cum Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew, Deputy Chief Minister cum Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Junz Wong, Youth and Sports Minister Phoong Jin Zhe, Chinese Consul-General to Kota Kinabalu, Liang Caide, and Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) President Tan Sri T C Goh.

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